Are you a Netflix Premium subscriber who feels like your favorite shows could look even better? Well, get ready for a visual treat! Netflix has just announced that it is rolling out support for HDR10+ format for its premium subscribers. This upgrade promises to bring a richer, more vibrant, and detailed picture quality to your screens, putting it right up there with the widely acclaimed Dolby Vision. But what exactly is HDR10+, and how will it impact your binge-watching sessions? Let’s dive into the details of this exciting news.
For years, Netflix has been at the forefront of high-quality streaming, offering content in High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Now, they are adding HDR10+ to the mix, giving premium subscribers with compatible devices another reason to cheer. This move means that Netflix now supports all three major HDR formats, offering a wider range of options for viewers with different types of TVs and devices.
So, what makes HDR10+ so special? Unlike the basic HDR10 format, which uses static metadata (fixed picture settings for the entire video), HDR10+ employs dynamic metadata. Think of it as having a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame adjustment of brightness, contrast, and colors. This allows for a more accurate and lifelike picture, with brighter highlights and deeper blacks, bringing out details you might have missed before. Imagine watching a dark fantasy series; with HDR10+, the shadowy corners will reveal more intricate details, and the bright flashes of magic will be even more dazzling.
This addition is particularly good news for owners of Samsung TVs. Samsung has been a strong supporter of HDR10+ and has included it in many of their 4K TV sets. Unlike some other manufacturers, Samsung TVs have historically lacked Dolby Vision support. With Netflix now offering HDR10+ content, Samsung TV owners can finally experience premium HDR streaming on the platform without any limitations. Bill Mandel, vice president at Samsung Research America, even shared his excitement on LinkedIn, highlighting the use of the latest high-efficiency codec (AV1) in this rollout, which facilitates the highest quality at the lowest bandwidth.
Netflix itself has been producing content in HDR for nearly a decade, starting with its series “Marco Polo” in 2014. The company boasts an impressive catalog of around 11,000 hours of HDR material. Now, they are actively adding HDR10+ streams to both new and existing HDR content. In fact, Netflix stated in a blog post that AV1-HDR10+ already accounts for 50% of all eligible viewing hours, and their goal is to offer an HDR10+ experience for all HDR titles by the end of this year. This clearly indicates Netflix’s commitment to providing the best possible viewing experience for its premium subscribers.
You might be wondering if you’ll actually notice the difference. Dan Rayburn, a consultant and chairman of the NAB Streaming Summit, believes this move aligns with Netflix’s strategy of catering to users willing to pay for the highest quality video. He suggests that while some viewers might not immediately see a significant difference, much like the jump from HD to 4K, others with keen eyes and compatible devices will definitely appreciate the enhanced picture quality. It really comes down to personal preference and the quality of your display.
To enjoy Netflix in HDR10+, you’ll need a few things in place. Firstly, you must be a Netflix Premium subscriber. This plan, which recently saw a price increase to $25 a month, already offers features like 4K Ultra HD streaming, the ability to watch on four devices simultaneously, and download content on six devices. Now, HDR10+ is another valuable addition to this premium tier. Secondly, you’ll need a smart TV, mobile phone, or tablet that supports both the AV1 codec and HDR10+. Netflix has certified a range of devices that meet these requirements. You’ll also need to ensure that the HDR toggle is enabled in your Netflix application settings.
Netflix’s decision to embrace HDR10+ comes at an interesting time. Other major streaming services like Disney Plus, AppleTV Plus, and Amazon Prime Video already offer content in this format. By adding HDR10+, Netflix is ensuring it remains competitive in the high-quality streaming arena and provides its premium users with a viewing experience that rivals the best available.
The technical aspects of this rollout are also noteworthy. Netflix is utilizing the AV1 video codec, which was standardized in 2018 by the Alliance for Open Media. AV1 is known for its high efficiency, delivering excellent visual quality while using less bandwidth. Netflix has already seen significant benefits from using AV1 for standard dynamic range (SDR) content, including higher visual quality, lower play delay, and increased streaming at the highest resolutions. With the addition of HDR10+ to AV1 streams, Netflix anticipates that AV1 will soon become its most streamed codec.
Netflix’s addition of HDR10+ support for premium subscribers is a significant step towards enhancing the viewing experience. It provides a tangible benefit for users who invest in the highest tier of their service and ensures that owners of HDR10+-compatible devices, particularly Samsung TVs, can enjoy Netflix content in stunning quality. As Netflix continues to expand its HDR10+ library, viewers can look forward to an even more immersive and visually captivating world of entertainment right in their living rooms. So, if you have a premium Netflix subscription and an HDR10+-enabled device, get ready to see your favorite shows in a whole new light!
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